Body Shape Calculator
Your Body Shape is:
Understanding Your Body Shape: A Complete Guide
Your body shape is primarily determined by your bone structure and the distribution of fat and muscle. Understanding your specific silhouette helps in choosing the right clothing cuts that complement your natural frame and balance your proportions.
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
- Waist: Measure at the narrowest part of your torso (usually just above the belly button).
- High Hip: Measure around the hip bones.
- Full Hip: Measure around the widest part of your buttocks.
Common Body Shape Categories
1. Hourglass
The hourglass shape is characterized by balanced proportions where the bust and hips are roughly the same width, and the waist is clearly defined and significantly narrower.
2. Pear (Triangle)
With a pear shape, the hips are wider than the bust. This is one of the most common body shapes, where weight is primarily carried in the lower half of the body.
3. Inverted Triangle
This shape features shoulders or a bust that is significantly wider than the hips. The silhouette tapers down towards the legs, often accompanied by athletic shoulders.
4. Rectangle (Straight)
In a rectangle body shape, the bust, waist, and hips have fairly similar measurements. The waist definition is less pronounced, creating a straighter up-and-down silhouette.
5. Apple (Oval)
The apple shape is characterized by a fuller midsection. The waist measurement may be similar to or larger than the bust and hips, often with slender arms and legs.
Why Measurements Matter
While the Body Mass Index (BMI) tells you about weight relative to height, body shape measurements provide insight into where your body stores fat. For instance, a higher waist-to-hip ratio (often associated with the Apple shape) can be an indicator of visceral fat, which is linked to certain health risks. Using this calculator allows you to track changes in your silhouette that scale-weight alone might miss.
Fashion Tips for Your Shape
- Hourglass: Focus on waist-defining pieces like wrap dresses and belted coats.
- Pear: Draw attention upward with statement necklines or bright tops, and use darker colors for the lower body.
- Inverted Triangle: Add volume to the lower half with A-line skirts or wide-leg trousers to balance broad shoulders.
- Rectangle: Create the illusion of curves using peplum tops, sweetheart necklines, or ruffles.
- Apple: Opt for empire waistlines, tunic tops, and structured jackets that create a vertical line.